The Center aims to encourage scholarship, generate new information, contribute to the body of literature and advance
state-of-the-art, particularly in the fields of fuels, materials, and environmental sciences and engineering. The
products of these endeavors are manifest in the form of publications in refereed journals, patents and other
intellectual properties, and in presentations and participation in conferences and symposia. Related outcomes are the
involvement of our staff in scientific societies and academies and in our interactions with other researchers here and
abroad.

Among our most important aims is to assure that the benefits of investigations, research and study are made
available to the public and brought into the widest possible use. This is accomplished by pursuing an aggressive
strategy of intellectual property development and technology transfer, through the provision of consulting and
analytical services, and through effective communication and information services.

Universities are increasingly viewed as engines for economic growth, both for technology and a ready, highly skilled
labor force. The University's core mission is its academic one of teaching and instruction. The Center assists in this
important responsibility by providing scholarship and other forms of financial assistance for students. Our staff
contribute to curriculum and teaching, serve on student advising committees and in mentoring roles for students at
the pre-college, undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate levels. Our lab has served as a proving ground and source
of experiential education for hundreds of young people who are now practitioners in industry, and in other academic
and research institutions.